The City of Boston is known for many things and history is one of them. There are many sites within the city that interpret the story of the beginning of the American Revolution. Many sites are along the famous and popular “Freedom Trail.” The Freedom Trail winds through the city and connects historic sites, churches, monuments, museums and cemeteries that focus on the story of 18th century Boston. The trail can be identified by a double brick pattern located in the sidewalk. The 2 ½ mile trail begins at Boston Common and ends at the Bunker Hill Monument. Several sites in this book are included in the Freedom Trail, but there are others that are just as important that are not on the path of the trail. All the locations for this section are in walking distance, though we highly encourage you to use public transportation as driving in Boston can be challenging. Most attractions/sites in Boston are conveniently served by the “T” subway system.

For your first stop, visit the Old South Meeting House located at 310 Washington St, Boston (GPS: N 42.357078, W 71.058578). Built in 1729, the Old South Meeting House was one of the largest buildings in Boston at the time. It was here where the public meeting was held on the night of the Boston Tea Party. Today the building serves as a historic site and museum. The small admission fee is worth the price to see this historic site which includes exhibits on the history of the church, Boston and the Boston Tea Party.

From the Old South Meeting House, you can take the route of the “Mohawks” to the next stop, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum. Take Milk Street (next to the Old South Meeting House) for three blocks and take a right onto Congress Street. After six blocks the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum will be on your left as you cross the bridge over Fort Point Channel (GPS: N 42.352071, W 71.051369). The Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum includes interactive exhibits and experiences where visitors can help throw tea over board one of the recreated ships (the Eleanor and the Beaver). There is also a tea room, theater and film and gift shop. Hours vary depending on the season.

Due to the expansion of the Boston shore lines over time, the actual location of Griffin’s Wharf is not near the water today. Some argue it was at the foot of Pearl Street near the intersection of Pearl Street and Atlantic Avenue. There is a plaque commemorating the Boston Tea Party located on Seaport Boulevard. To see the plaque, take Atlantic Avenue and make a right onto Seaport Boulevard, the plaque is located on the building to the right near the bridge (GPS: N 42.354147, W 71.050977).

2 Responses to ERW Weekender – Boston Tea Party

Hi Rob: Thanks for sending alone this wonderful posting on the Boston Tea Party—it reads as if it was written by a native of Boston. I much enjoy reading the postings on your excellent Emerging Revolutionary War website. All the best, Mel